[center] [color=f49ac2]Sakura Level 11: 028/110[/color] Location: Pools! Word Count: 2,298 Points Gained: 3 New EXP Balance--- [color=f49ac2]Level 11: 031/110 [/color] [/center] — After Sakura gently nudged Golrio into the Losers Bracket and had her banter with Two P, her eyes glanced towards a somewhat unusual sight. A rich looking lady, clapping politely in the audience. Despite having fought in large crowds before, one person paying so much attention like that made Sakura shy. She waved back at the stranger with a modest beam. Walking closer to the exit had unintentionally put Sakura within conversation distance. So she decided to speak. [color=f49ac2]”Sorry if you were rooting for the other guy, Miss.”[/color] Sakura said. [color=f49ac2]”Are you a fighter, too?”[/color] She asked, wondering if she might meet this woman later on in the bracket. The lady seemed happy that Sakura had come to say hello, a bright smile on her face as her sunglasses regarded the martial artist. Though her elegant garb and composed bearing spoke of traditional, quiet grace, her demeanor seemed rather cordial. “Oh, not at all! I was hoping you’d win, in fact. Your fighting skills are very impressive, and with a can-do attitude like yours, it’s hard not to root for you. I hope you don’t mind me following you around. Please, just consider me an everyday fan.” [color=f49ac2]”Oh, no, no problem.”[/color] Sakura giggled, rubbing the bottom of her nose with her index finger. She clasped her hands in front of her as she shook her head. “I’m not a fighter, no. I’m new in Esaka…what some folks here would probably call a tourist, I think.” She allowed herself a somewhat sheepish smile. “I am passionate about martial arts, though. I’ve watched Esaka tournaments before, albeit from afar. I’ve led a rather…well, sheltered existence, I’m afraid. Isolated from common folk. The outside world…” The lady looked out across the pools. “So I wanted to walk the city streets for myself. Learn about the customs, the culture, the combat…and people like you, of course. It’s all very interesting…” She smiled as she shrugged helplessly. “But a little intimidating. So much to take in. To be honest, I don’t even know how I’d go about getting lunch. But I am getting rather hungry.” Her eyebrows shot up suddenly. “Oh, you must forgive me, where are my manners? Please, call me Ei. How may I call you?” [color=f49ac2]”Pleased to meet you, Ei-san.”[/color] Sakura said with a bow. [color=f49ac2]”My name’s Sakura.”[/color] Then she pointed past Ei. Despite her relatively young age Sakura was very well travelled and as such had a keen sense of direction, so she was probably on the money. [color=f49ac2]”There’s a cafe not too far called the Quick Rise. I was just there this morning. It’s in the Low Tiers though so it might be a little rough and tumble for a lady like yourself. Stuff just gets fancier the higher you get and uh, ‘vice versa’. But in my experience, people in Esaka tend to leave non-fighters alone. Then again, uh, I’m not a non-fighter…but if I saw anyone picking on someone, I’d beat them up.”[/color] Sakura said with a nod. Ei stifled a light titter, her mouth politely covered by her hands. “Of that, I have no doubt. Well, thank you for the recommendation, miss Sakura. Although I can’t say it excites me, perhaps some ‘rough-and-tumble’ would help my broaden my horizons. I, er, don’t have anything to fear from robbers or swindlers down there, do I…?” Her gaze turned from the precipice overlooking the Low Tier back toward the young martial artist as she ran a hand through her hair. “Of course, I’m also eager to see your next match. Are you headed toward your next bout now?” [color=f49ac2]”I like that phrase. Rough and tumble.”[/color] Sakura said. [color=f49ac2]”Um. I don’t think so? But now I’d feel especially bad if you went down there and got scammed or mugged after I sent you that way.”[/color] Sakura said, putting her finger against her grimacing teeth. [color=f49ac2]”They give us, like, a little break between matches. You know, to shake off the dizziness from getting clobbered.”[/color] She rapped the side of her temple. [color=f49ac2]”I could go with you and make sure you got there if you’re feeling adventurous.”[/color] Sakura said with a shrug. The offer seemed to please Ei, who offered the girl a grateful smile. “Oh, would you? You’re too kind.” Although her sunglasses obscured her expression somewhat, the lady gave Sakura an apologetic look. “I don’t mean to rush, of course, but shall we get started? Much longer and I fear my stomach might start rumbling. I’m embarrassed enough as is….” She gestured in the general direction of the Lower Tier. There was a lift a little less than a five minutes’ walk away, the distance exacerbated a bit by the Pools’ unique layout. “I’d be happy to chat with you on the way, if you’re willing. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I’d actually get the chance to know any up-and-coming fighters…this is going quite well, so far!” Beneath her noble and austere appearance, there was an earnest, slightly awkward undercurrent that made Ei somewhat endearing. Sakura smiled and readjusted her headband behind her head. [color=f49ac2]”Yeah, let’s go. I could eat, anyway.”[/color] As they walked, and Ei happily reported on the success of her endeavor, Sakura tilted her head and nodded. [color=f49ac2]”The audience can be pretty tough around here.”[/color] Sakura said. [color=f49ac2]”Lots of jerks that shout nasty things. I mean, they’re literal yokai, but still, it can get pretty annoying. And if they [i]do[/i] like you, it’s like, a lot to handle. So someone like you sticks out, Ei-san. In a good way, I mean.” [/color] Sakura reassured Ei. She absent-mindedly punched the air a couple times, before ducking a strike and countering an imaginary attacker. Ei watched her new acquaintance practice for a moment, seemingly bemused but intrigued. “Oh, okay. I mean, better than sticking out in a bad way.” She glanced at various passers-by as she followed Sakura along the walkway toward the edge of the tier, her huge braid swinging gently behind her. “So far I haven't had any trouble, but few seem eager to speak to me. Hopefully my appearance doesn't put people off.” When she relaxed her expression, her resting face did look almost condescendingly stern combined with her expensive and showy attire. After a moment a sheepish look manifested. “Oh, well.” [color=f49ac2]”I mean, stick out to me. In terms of…cheering people on.”[/color] She tried to clarify. [color=f49ac2]”Yeah, I have a friend with a face like that.”[/color] Sakura said with an understanding nod. As the two drew closer to the lift, Ei hastened her steps slightly to walk alongside Sakura. At close range, it was easier to tell that Ei stood about six inches taller than Sakura herself. “I'd be interested to hear more about you, being a fan and all,” she began, somewhat playfully. “Are you hoping to become the champion? After seeing you in action, I bet you could do it.” Sakura stood in the lift and looked out across the city as the doors closed. While her tone was still light, her answer was serious. [color=f49ac2]”Every fighter wants to become the champion. You get one, maybe two tournaments where you’re just ‘fighting for fun’. After that, you can’t help but fight to win.”[/color] Sakura said. She opened and closed her gloved fist. [color=f49ac2]”I’m here with a large team. As long as any of us become the champion, we’ll be happy.”[/color] She looked at Ei and smiled, but something burned behind her eyes. [color=f49ac2]”But [i]I[/i] want to do it. I want to be the champion. I’ve wanted it since before I met any of them. Before I even came to Esaka, I’ve wanted to win something big.”[/color] “Just to see if you can do it?” Ei inquired, pausing as the elevator jerked into motion and began its slow descent. “Or to prove something, perhaps?” Sakura worked her mouth to the side, thoughtful as she looked down at her shoes. [color=f49ac2]”Ei-san, you probably have something you want to try your hardest at, right? It’s hard to put into words. I’m putting everything I’ve got into these tournaments, though this tournament in particular is special. It’s probably the last one I’ll be able to fight in for a while.”[/color] Sakura said. [color=f48ac2]”Sometimes I wish I had picked something else to pour my soul into. I don’t think there’s any pursuit in the universe that has higher peaks and lower valleys than fighting other people. It’s really hard on your heart. Metaphorically speaking. It’s great for your cardio.”[/color] She smirked briefly, raising her eyebrows at Ei. [color=f49ac2]”I want to win to prove that I can win. That it was all worth it. That I could one day match that man in skill. So people…know I was here.”[/color] She said. [color=f49ac2]”Man. This got deep. The food at the cafe is good.”[/color] Sakura’s attempt to change the subject suggested that she didn’t want to dwell on her motivation much longer, so while she might have not necessarily understood where the girl was coming from, Ei did not try to pry any further. She waited out the rest of the descent in silence, idly studying the Low Tier as it approached while a couple other elevator riders chatted in the background. Finally the lift came to a rest in its depression, the shock of impact absorbed by the mechanism’s springs but still just strong enough to make everyone stumble slightly. Ei reflexively reached out and steadied herself on Sakura’s shoulder, then flashed her an apologetic glance. Sakura felt she wasn’t trying to change the subject so much as lighten the mood, so she smiled at Ei and shook her head. ‘Don’t worry’. A moment later, the two were walking along the narrow cobblestone streets of Esaka’s ground floor. Despite her unfamiliarity with this cluttered, sooty district, Ei did not seem intimidated, and her looks did not earn her resentful glares . Tiers weren’t necessarily indicators of individual wealth, after all; there were plenty of Low Tier fighters who put their meager earnings into lavish costumes, and plenty of High Tier fighters so focused on winning and self-improvement that that looked (and sometimes smelled) like bums. Still, Ei was heavily relying on Sakura to show her the way, and did not allow her eager curiosity draw her too far away from her guide. [color=f49ac2]”Ta-da! Here it is.”[/color] Sakura showed Ei to the Quick Rise cafe with a dramatic flourish of her hand. [color=f49ac2]”Plenty of time to grab something quick before the next round of pools.”[/color] She rubbed her chin. [color=f49ac2]”I’m still coasting off some money I made, like, a week ago. But it was enough that when I’m not mooching off my team I can pay for my own food.”[/color] Ei slowed down as she approached the cafe, her eyes on the chalkboard menu out front by the main door. At least, that seemed to be the case, since with her sunglasses on it was hard to tell exactly. “Oh, good. Though at the rate you’re going, you’ll have yokai lining up to donate in no time, I bet.” She glanced over at Sakura, her brows rising above the rims of her sunglasses. “Hm, your team, you said? But you’re not in King of Fighters. I’m not getting a whiff of collusion here, am I?” Under normal circumstances Ei’s severe tone and bearing might have made it seem like a serious accusation, but the smile playing around her lips betrayed the fact she was joking. Sakura rubbed the back of her head. [color=f49ac2]”Uhh…”[/color] [color=f49ac2]”No, no, no collusion.”[/color] She shook her head. [color=f49ac2]”If I meet any of my friends in bracket, I’m not holding back! No collusion, no collusion.”[/color] [color=f49ac2]”Even though it’s definitely [i]not[/i] cheating to have a team, I feel like I should be quieter about it anyway. People might get the wrong idea.”[/color] Sakura said. Ei couldn’t help but giggle. “Oh, I wasn’t being serious. Besides, if entire dojos can sign up for certain tournaments, I’m sure a few friends are fine. Plus, after what you said earlier, it doesn’t sound like you’d settle for anything but a genuine win.” After one more glance at the menu, Ei inhaled deeply. “Okay, I know what I’d like. Would you mind coming in with me? Just to make sure I don’t…mess up while ordering, somehow.” [color=f49ac2]”Sure! I wanna get something, too!”[/color] Sakura said. With Sakura at her back, the elegant lady walked inside. She almost messed up right away, not realizing that she needed to stand in line in order to reach the counter, but the martial artist corrected Ei before she could embarrass herself. After that she waited dutifully until she had the chance to place her order. While somewhat tentative, she didn’t say anything usual, although what she requested was a little suspect: a jelly danish, an apple pastry, a slice of pie, and a hot chocolate. In other words, all sugary desserts. Sakura narrowed her eyes playfully at the sweet loot. Ei-san was a real character. With her bag of sweets in one hand and her drink in the other, Ei stepped outside and seated herself at a two-person table. “Thanks again for everything, miss Sakura,” she told her guide, smiling. “For the help, and for getting to know you. I hope to catch your next match when I’m done here.” Sakura was already ¾ of the way through a sandwich, having elected to not even sit down. Mouth full, she gave the elegant lady a thumbs up. When she was done, she grinned. [color=f49ac2]”No problem! Meeting interesting people is one of the best parts about travelling. I guess I’ll see you around then, Ei-san?”[/color] “Absolutely,” Ei replied, before digging into her sweets herself. Sakura waved. [color=f49ac2]”Be seeing you!”[/color] She turned and jogged off. That was refreshing. Time to get warmed up for her next bout.